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PHOTOS: Mission Motors Unveils the Tesla Roadster of Motorcycles

The new Mission One electric motorcycle from San Francisco startup Mission Motors, unveiled in prototype today at TED 2009 in Long Beach, Calif., maxes out at 150 mph without an ounce of gas or puff of tailpipe exhaust. This comes on the heels of reports that Yamaha (s YAMHF) and Honda (s HMC) plan to launch battery-powered electric motorcycles aimed at rivaling today’s gas-powered bikes in 2010 and 2011, respectively. But while Honda wants to hit the mass market with a low-cost, long-distance option, Mission Motors is aiming for the high-end performance market with its lithium-ion battery-powered motorcycle — much like Tesla Motors with its luxury electric sports car, the Roadster.

“With the Mission One, we’re writing the next chapter in motorcycle design, delivering a new riding experience without sacrificing performance or design in a zero emissions vehicle,” Mission Motors founder and CEO (and former Tesla engineer) Forrest North said in a release today.

Now, if the company can deliver on its claims that the bike will go 150 miles on a two-hour charge — and make it to production, a painfully thorny phase for Tesla — then let the oohs and aahs begin.

I'm with an environmental organization planning an event in October you may be interested in. Would you please send me the name & e-mail address of a contact person with Mission Motors ( Tesla Motorcycle )? Thanks!
Sheila Claus
Roseberryclaus@aol.com

Besides high mpg and horse power, motorcycle manufacturers need to ensure maximum driver safety as well. This implies minimum damage of life when driving Mission One like electric motorcycles – both for those on the bikes, as well as, for those surrounding them. new york city accident attorney

While I’ll agree with Chris (above) it only a matter of time before we started seeing viable electric alternatives to two wheeled transport. I’m not sure the motorcycle community is ready to give up the sound and sleek looks of the traditional motorcycle.